I met Mary-Alice later in her life. Her health had already begun to decline.
Her sister Miss Jane had often said to me that she wished I had known Mary-Alice when she was younger.
Miss Jane’s admiration and respect for her sister’s storied life became clear to me. Miss Jane also often mentions Mary-Alice’s warrior spirit, a trait she too possesses, by the way. I got to witness some of that warrior spirit. Although muted, it was just as passionate as described by those who had known her longest. Still, it commanded respect.
In the six years I had known her, I had been privileged to sit at the very table she sat around with her family and listened to stories of generations of family and community. I listened to her talk about the importance of relations and relationship building.
So, it’s no surprise to me that the news of her passing was delivered to me by the very person responsible for my and Mary-Alice’s meeting, my long-time and dear friend, Jennie Knox, whom Mary-Alice always referred to as “that young gal”.
Mary-Alice made that happen, just as she had made things happen her entire life. And her life’s journey paralleled those of other better known Black women.
I wondered if she felt like Elizabeth Eckford, of the Little Rock Nine, both walking the path of racial integration. I wondered if she felt like Katherine Johnson, both showing courage in navigating hostile work environments. I wondered if she was ever tired by the immensity of the Black struggle, she endured and confronted all her life. I wondered how she felt about Gettysburg; what it was and what it had become. I wondered what she thought now when she drove the very streets she played along as a child. I wondered what she thought of the people she had met and known. I wondered if the racial progress she helped usher in had been enough. If a Gettysburg Black History Museum would be enough.
And as my grief heaving chest slowed, what I did not wonder was if she would be remembered like the great elders of American history. I did not wonder what her legacy would or might be. I was left wondering nothing. Instead, I felt that warrior spirit say to me, “Young fella, there’s work still to do.”
Elmer Shelton, freelance reporter:
I was born and raised in Selbyville, DE. In 1997, I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature, from Gettysburg College. And in 2003, I earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University. Prior to moving back to Gettysburg, in April of 2018, I had spent 13 years living in Portland, ME. - I am a fanatical tennis lover and an avid volleyball fan. I have been vegan and gluten-free for a decade and would describe myself as a hippie minimalist. I am employed by Pennsylvania Counseling Services, as a Forensic Outpatient Therapist. When I am not working, I am primarily engaged with my college fraternity, Alpha Chi Rho, where I serve as President of its Alumni Board. I am also the Recording Secretary for the Gettysburg Black History Museum, a position that has exposed me to the countless ways Black people have contributed to the town and state. Lastly, I am a member of the Gettysburg branch of Democracy For America, where I am learning more about how local and state politics work in PA.
Thank you, Elmer, for this beautiful tribute to Mary-Alice! We miss your physical presence around these parts but are grateful your connection to Gettysburg is still strong!